Finding the right therapist can feel a lot like dating — sometimes awkward, sometimes overwhelming, but so worth it when you find the right fit. The truth is, not every therapist will be the right one for you, and that’s okay. What matters is finding someone you feel safe with. Here are some things to consider when looking for a therapist: Cultural understanding: Do they “get it” when you talk about being first-gen, BIPOC, or neurodivergent? You shouldn’t have to constantly e

ADHD is often misunderstood as “laziness” or a lack of effort. In reality, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how several brain systems coordinate attention, motivation, emotion, and action. These differences show up most clearly in executive functions : the mental skills we use to plan, start, and finish tasks; regulate emotion; and manage time and priorities. Below I explain, in straightforward terms, which brain areas and chemicals are involved, how they

One of the most common questions I hear is: “How do I know if I’m ready for therapy?” For first-gen and neurodivergent folks, this question carries extra weight. Therapy can feel like a luxury, or even like something we “shouldn’t need” because “No estoy loco/a/x”, mental health isn’t talked about, or our parents didn’t have access to it. But readiness for therapy isn’t about being “broken enough”, it’s about noticing when you want something different for yourself. You might

This past weekend, people across Mexico and the U.S. celebrated El Grito de Independencia, Mexico’s Independence Day. For many of us who are first-generation or bicultural, holidays like this can bring up a mix of pride and grief. Pride in where we come from. Grief in noticing the distance that has grown between us and our roots. I’ll be honest, about a month ago a family member told me I was “whitewashed.” The comment stung. It made me feel like I wasn’t “Mexican enough” for